Preadipocytes potentiate melanoma progression and M2 macrophage polarization in the tumor microenvironment

Melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, originates from epidermal melanocytes. The influence of preadipocytes on melanoma is less understood. We co-cultured mouse melanoma B16 cells with 3T3L1 preadipocytes to form mixed spheroids and observed increased melanoma proliferation and growth compared to B16-only spheroids. Metastasis-related proteins YAP, TAZ, and PD-L1 levels were also higher in mixed spheroids. Treatment with exosome inhibitor GW4869 halted melanoma growth and reduced expression of these proteins, suggesting exosomal crosstalk between B16 and 3T3L1 cells. MiR-155 expression was significantly higher in mixed spheroids, and GW4869 reduced its levels. Additionally, co-culturing with Raw264.7 macrophage cells increased M2 markers IL-4 and CD206 in Raw264.7 cells, effects that were diminished by GW4869. These results indicate that preadipocytes may enhance melanoma progression and metastasis via exosomal interactions.